A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Saint Petersburg vs. Chicago for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Beaches

Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Chicago?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Saint Petersburg and Chicago can help you decide which place is right for you.

Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg is a underrated, relaxed, and fun-filled coastal city. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Chicago

Chicago is a diverse, vibrant, and multicultural city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and theater.

Saint Petersburg and Chicago: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Petersburg or Chicago?

You'll generally find more things to do in Chicago than Saint Petersburg. Chicago is bigger than Saint Petersburg, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Chicago is better known for its museums & sights, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, christmas markets, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Saint Petersburg is more popular for its resorts and beaches. Saint Petersburg is well known for its warm weather, sandy beaches, and outdoor activities. Chicago is well known for its thriving sports scene, its iconic local cuisine, and its world class shopping at the Magnificent Mile. Also, Chicago is famous for The Willis Tower (previously the Sears Tower).

How is Saint Petersburg different from Chicago?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Chicago and Saint Petersburg. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint Petersburg or Chicago?

Chicago is terrific for its historical sights. Also, Saint Petersburg is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its sights and museums.

Travelers visit Chicago from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. There are countless landmarks, museums, and iconic sights in the area. Some of the most famous are the Art Institute of Chicago, Adler Planetarium, and the Museum of Science and Industry. Notable landmarks include the famous Willis Tower - formerly the Sears Tower, Buckingham Fountain, and the iconic Cloud Gate (the bean).

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Saint Petersburg can be an interesting and educational experience. There are a variety of history, science, and art museums in the area. The Dalí Museum, Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum, The Florida Holocaust Museum, and Imagine Museum of Contemporary Glass Art are some of the favorites.

Is Saint Petersburg or Chicago Better for Theater?

Chicago is terrific for theatre. However, Saint Petersburg is not a theatre destination.

The theater scene in Chicago is world-class. Theater is big here with many of the major Broadway productions visiting the city. There is also an endless list of smaller, local theaters to choose from.

Saint Petersburg is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Saint Petersburg or Chicago? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Chicago is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Saint Petersburg is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Chicago has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. With everything from award-winning luxury restaurants to local dives, this city has something for everyone. It also has very distinct local flavors and dishes that create an identity and bring great pride to the locals. While you're in town you have to try the famous deep dish pizza, Chicago style hot dogs, and Italian beef.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Saint Petersburg. It's location on the Gulf Coast means that seafood is everywhere. You'll enjoy fresh oysters, fried calamari, grilled fish, and fried shrimp on many menus. Casual restaurants and local eateries are common around town.

Is Saint Petersburg or Chicago Better for Nightlife?

Chicago is terrific for nightlife. Also, Saint Petersburg is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for nightlife and partying.

Chicago is a must-see party destination. It has a wide range of activities at night, with everything from theater and comedy clubs to dance venues, sporting events, and local bars. It's easy to fill many evenings with whatever activity appeals to you. Popular bars and clubs include the Smart Bar, Beauty Bar, and Le Nocturne.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Saint Petersburg. There are beachside bars, rooftop restaurants, and dance clubs around town for those looking for a night out.

Is Saint Petersburg or Chicago Better for Music?

Chicago is terrific for live music. However, Saint Petersburg is not a live music destination.

Chicago is known as a music capital around the world. The city is the birthplace of such interesting styles as modern gospel and the Chicago style blues.

Saint Petersburg is not a live music destination.

Is Saint Petersburg or Chicago Better for Resorts?

Saint Petersburg is very good for its resorts. However, Chicago is not a resort destination.

Saint Petersburg has a few great resort options. You'll find most of the resorts near the beach. Many have pools and they range in style and budget level.

Chicago is not a resort destination.

Is Saint Petersburg or Chicago Better for Beaches?

Saint Petersburg is renowned for the beach. Also, Chicago is still popular, but not quite as popular for its beaches.

With world-famous beaches, Saint Petersburg is a very popular vacation destination. You'll find great sandy beaches with calm blue water and a relaxed atmosphere. Some of the best beaches include Egmont Key, Fort DeSoto Beach, Maximo Beach, and St. Pete's Municipal Beach.

Chicago has a beach worth visiting. While you don't immediately think of beaches when you think of Chicago, there are some nice beaches by the lake. If the weather is nice, it's a great area to spend some time.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Petersburg or Chicago?

Chicago is terrific for shopping. Also, Saint Petersburg is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Chicago. There are countless neighborhoods that are filled with boutiques, local vendors, and art galleries. The city has some of the country's best shopping opportunities, and the most notable area is the famous Michigan Avenue and the Magnificent Mile.

Saint Petersburg offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find plenty of shopping malls and shopping centers around town. Along the boardwalk and in John's Pass Village there are also restaurants and souvenir stores.

Is Saint Petersburg or Chicago Better for Christmas?

Chicago is great for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Saint Petersburg does not offer Christmas activities.

Chicago is a very popular destination during Christmas. There's a number of seasonal celebrations, ice skating, and excellent shopping.

Saint Petersburg does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Saint Petersburg or Chicago Better for Christmas Markets?

Chicago is very good for visiting Christmas markets. However, Saint Petersburg does not offer Christmas markets.

Chicago offers some nice Christmas markets. Shopping is a highlight of a trip to the city, and the Christkindlmarkt is not to be missed.

Saint Petersburg does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Saint Petersburg or Chicago Better for Families?

Chicago is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Saint Petersburg is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its family-friendly activities.

Chicago is one of the most popular family destinations. The city has a large number of activities for kids, including zoos, Shedd Aquarium, impressive children's museums, and large and elaborate playgrounds in Millennium Park. It's easy to keep kids entertained in this very kid-focused city.

Saint Petersburg is a very kid-friendly coastal city. The beaches, waterparks, nature reserves, and entertainment centers all offer plenty of activities for families. There are plenty of places to play, laugh, and act silly around town so the whole family can have a good time. There's also the Great Explorations Children’s Museum and other educational opportunities for the young ones.

Is Saint Petersburg or Chicago Better for Couples?

Saint Petersburg is a great destination for couples. Also, Chicago is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Saint Petersburg frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are sunset cruises, long sandy beaches, nice restaurants, and many other romantic activities around town. You can wander down the boardwalk or enjoy nature at the gardens and nature parks around town.

Chicago is a nice destination for couples. Couples will enjoy exploring the city's vibrant theater scene and diverse neighborhoods. There are many varied restaurants and entertainment options that make for a great date night. There are also sporting events, parks, and gardens where couples can explore.

Is Saint Petersburg or Chicago Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chicago is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Saint Petersburg is not a good destination for backpackers.

Chicago is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. The city doesn't have a huge backpacker vibe, but it does have a number of hostels that help keep costs in check.

Saint Petersburg is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not high on the list for many backpackers, but budget travelers will appreciate the affordable accommodation around town.

Is Saint Petersburg or Chicago Better for Students?

Chicago is terrific for its student-friendly activities. However, Saint Petersburg is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Chicago. The city has a large number of universities that bring in students from around the country and around the globe. It's a huge international city with economic ties and many opportunities connected to the universities.

Saint Petersburg is not popular with students.

Is Saint Petersburg or Chicago Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Chicago is terrific for times when you don't have a car. However, Saint Petersburg is not a good destination for its public transit.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Chicago can take you anywhere. There's a subway (the "L"), a commuter well, as well as buses and countless taxis available.

Public transit is generally limited in Saint Petersburg. There's a bus system, but most people rely on their own car to get around.

Is Saint Petersburg or Chicago a more walkable city?

Chicago is great for its walkability. However, Saint Petersburg is not a good destination for its high level of walkability.

Chicago is very walkable. The city has many restaurants, sights, and hotels that are easily accessible on foot.

Saint Petersburg is generally not very walkable. The downtown area is the most walkable part of town, but you really need a car to access most places.

For even more information, also check out Is Saint Petersburg Worth Visiting? and Is Chicago Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Chicago or Saint Petersburg?

How long in Saint Petersburg or Chicago?

In either Saint Petersburg or Chicago, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Chicago than Saint Petersburg because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint Petersburg, and 3-5 days is enough time in Chicago.

Families should spend more time in Chicago than Saint Petersburg. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Chicago, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Chicago than Saint Petersburg. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Chicago that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Chicago than Saint Petersburg if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Chicago.

One day in Saint Petersburg or Chicago?

In Saint Petersburg, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. This coastal city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

People visit Chicago because there is so much to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Saint Petersburg or Chicago?

In Saint Petersburg, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Saint Petersburg has to offer.

People visit Chicago because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Saint Petersburg or Chicago?

Saint Petersburg is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Chicago is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Saint Petersburg or Chicago?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint Petersburg. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Saint Petersburg. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Chicago is a great place to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint Petersburg and Chicago, we can see that Chicago is more expensive. And not only is Saint Petersburg much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Saint Petersburg would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Saint Petersburg and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Chicago would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Chicago than you might in Saint Petersburg.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Saint Petersburg Expensive? and Is Chicago Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Chicago?

Chicago has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Saint Petersburg. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg and Chicago, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Saint Petersburg or Chicago?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Chicago in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Chicago. The summer months attract visitors to Saint Petersburg because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Chicago this time of year.

In July, Saint Petersburg is generally a little warmer than Chicago. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 82°F (28°C), and Chicago fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chicago. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Petersburg this time of the year. In the summer, Saint Petersburg often gets less sunshine than Chicago. Saint Petersburg gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chicago receives 326 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Chicago. Saint Petersburg receives a lot of rain in the summer. Saint Petersburg usually gets more rain in July than Chicago. Saint Petersburg gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Chicago receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Chicago in the Autumn?

Both Chicago and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene are the main draw to Saint Petersburg this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Chicago for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Saint Petersburg is much warmer than Chicago in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 76°F (24°C) in October, and Chicago fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Petersburg. Saint Petersburg usually receives more sunshine than Chicago during autumn. Saint Petersburg gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Chicago receives 195 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Saint Petersburg usually receives more rain than Chicago. Saint Petersburg gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Chicago receives 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in Saint Petersburg is June to November.

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Chicago in the Winter?

Both Chicago and Saint Petersburg during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Saint Petersburg for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Chicago in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Chicago can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Saint Petersburg is much warmer than Chicago. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Petersburg in January average around 59°F (15°C), and Chicago averages at about 25°F (-4°C).

It's quite sunny in Saint Petersburg. In the winter, Saint Petersburg often gets more sunshine than Chicago. Saint Petersburg gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chicago receives 134 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets more rain in January than Chicago. Saint Petersburg gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Chicago receives 1.9 inches (47 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Chicago in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Chicago. Many visitors come to Saint Petersburg in the spring for the beaches. Furthermore, most visitors come to Chicago for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Saint Petersburg is generally much warmer than Chicago. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 73°F (23°C), and Chicago fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chicago this time of the year. In Saint Petersburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Petersburg usually receives more sunshine than Chicago during spring. Saint Petersburg gets 299 hours of sunny skies, while Chicago receives 218 hours of full sun in the spring.

Chicago receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Chicago. Saint Petersburg gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Chicago receives 4.3 inches (108 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November is the hurricane season in Saint Petersburg.

Typical Weather for Chicago and Saint Petersburg